Rash on My Son's Cheeks

L.,
Sounds like fifth disease(slap-face measles). My son's preschool just had an incident and they sent a letter home. I don't think there is any treatment, it is a virus and just goes away. Good luck.

Fifth's Disease is a possibility. It is characterized by a "slapped cheek" rash. It's viral so all a doctor would do is diagnose it and tell you to let it run it's course. Does he have any other symptoms? I would just be careful to keep him away from anyone who is pregnant as exposure to this for the first time during pregnancy can be very bad. Obviously I could be wrong, especially without seeing it, but just keep in mind that most rashes are viral, frequently preceded by or accompanied by a fever. Watch for other symptoms, worsening or spreading of the rash, maybe try calling your pediatrician - they usually don't charge to talk to a nurse, although they may recommend that he be seen "just to be safe". If he starts having a sore throat and those type of symptoms keep in mind that a rash is often part of strep which would need test to confirm and antibiotics to treat.

It could be Fifth's disease, a viral disease that once he shows symptoms is no longer communicable. flu like symptoms, lacey rash, sore throat. It lasts about a week and exposure to the sun or over exertion could make the rash appear worse. Hope this helps.

I agree that it also sounds like Fifths disease. Be careful though, it can also cause joint pain. Our little 5 year old neighbor was just hospitalized because he couldn't walk due to the joint pain in his knees--he was diagnosed with fifths disease after he was admitted. He's fine now though. I believe that once the rash shows up, they are no longer contagious. You might want to research it on the web and look at the pictures to see if the rashes look like what your son has. Good luck!

I read all the other comments, but one thing everyone left out was the all important question: Did he have a cough or the dry heaves? It is possible for a child with a cough to break blood vessels in his face just from trying to cough up something. Dry heaves can do this too. If he choked on anything, that can cause dry heaves. If he did, it will go away on its own and he will be fine. Check with your local United Way to ask about supplemented or free health care in your area. The have a wealth of information at their fingertips. Good Luck.

It is Fifths Disease. It just has to run its course and is not contagious anymore once the rash appears. but kids usually shouldnt be in daycare when they have it.

It might be "fifth" desease. A minor childhood thing you can look up on WebMD.

It sounds like it could be Fifth's disease. Fifth disease is an illness caused by a virus that leads to a rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs. The first sign of the disease is usually bright red cheeks, which look as though the child has been recently slapped on both sides of the face. A rash appears on the arms and legs and middle of the body. Your Dr would now better by looking but doesn't require medical attention. If he is uncomfortable give him acetaminophen. GOOD LUCK!!

Sounds like he has fifths disease. Dont worry sounds worse then it is. You can look it up on webmd.com You basically just have to let it run its course. It will go away in a few days. You do have to let anyone know that may be pregnant that has been around him. It is dangerous in the first trimester. Also, if he is in a daycare, let them know. He should be fine.

L.,
I don't actually have any idea what the rash may be, but wanted to offer a few options for healthcare for your sons (maybe even the whole family!)

I understand what you're going through trying to keep your kids healthy without insurance. We had no coverage for my pregnancies or my son's first two years. A very long, expensive, and stressful story later, when in recovery after having my daughter at OSU, they sent a woman with an application for the hospital's financial aid. It had never even occurred to me to seek aid, we just kept tightening our belts to take care of it ourselves.

We make too much for the whole family to be covered, but as a bridge until my kids are in school and I go back to work outside the home, we have medicaid (Healthy Start) for just the kids. We have our pediatrician (who we love!!!!!) and can go to any area hospital. We receive the exact same care as someone privately insured. You can get information through Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

Another option would be to take your kids to OSU, they are not a private hospital so they are required by the government to offer financial assistance if you qualify. You go to the ER and while registering you can ask for an application. Not having coverage for my husband and myself we've used this once when my husband had an injury. I am not sure what other area hospitals receive state and federal funds but I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find out.

Also, through the state there is a sliding scale clinic. You pay for services based on income, but I don't have much information on that one at all.

Good Luck!! Kids get sick and hurt so often...it can really throw you for a loop financially! I hope one of these will work for you!!

It may be Fifth's Disease. By the time the rash shows up, however, the virus is not contagious anymore. It sounds like a bad thing...but it is just a sort of viral infection. By the way, do you live in the state of KY? If so, send me a message and I can give you some resources to obtain health insurance for your child...it is SO important and there are free coverages availalbe. Thanks!

If he had an unexplained fever recently, it may be 5th disease. 5th disease is contagious so I'd see someone just to make sure.

C.

L.,

Ohio provides free health insurance for all, otherwise uninsured children under 18 under the Healthy Start program. Call Dennis Kucinich's office ###-###-####, and they can point you to the right place to apply.

Here is some information:

Program Description
Ohio Healthy Start provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children and pregnant women. This program is designed to provide increased access to health coverage for children in families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Ohio, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual household income before taxes of less than $31,200 if one person lives in the household; $42,000 if two people live in the household; $52,800 if three people live in the household; $63,600 if four people live in the household; $74,400 if five people live in the household; $85,200 if six people live in the household; $96,000 if seven people live in the household; $106,800 if eight people live in the household; $117,600 if nine people live in the household; $128,400 if 10 people live in the household; $139,200 if 11 people live in the household; $150,000 if 12 people live in the household; and $160,800 if more than 12 people live in the household. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
When applying for Healthy Start, proof of income, pregnancy, citizenship (if not a U.S. citizen) and other health insurance is required. No face-to-face interview is necessary.

Families can apply for Healthy Start by downloading and filling out the Combined Programs Application (CPA) - JFS Form #07216:

http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/Application.stm

By calling the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680, hotline staff can provide general information or offer assistance in filling out the application. The hotline is staffed seven days a week. Families can also find applications at their local office of job & family services.

Additionally, families can get program information by visiting out web site at:

http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/HealthyStart.stm

Managing Agency
Ohio
http://ohio.gov/